Is there a time limit for claiming a share of an inheritance?

27th March 2019

If you believe you are entitled to something from someone’s Will, you may be able to make a claim, but beware of the time limits.

If a relative dies and you have not inherited what you feel you have a right to, you may be able to make a claim under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975 (the Act).

It may be that you believe you were left less than you are entitled to, that you have been left nothing or that because there is no Will you have not been made a beneficiary.

If you can show that you are entitled to ‘reasonable financial provision’ then you can ask the court to grant you a share of the estate.

How long do you have to make a claim?

The Act has a strict time limit for making a claim of six months from the date of the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration.

In very exceptional circumstances this may be extended to allow a late claim, but as a rule you must stick to the six month deadline.

Who is entitled to claim?

A spouse or civil partner may make a claim under the Act as well as a former spouse or civil partner where they have not remarried, a person living in the same household as the deceased for at least two years prior to the date of death, a child of the deceased, anyone who was treated as a child of the family such as stepchildren and anyone who was being financially maintained by the deceased.

What will the court consider?

The court will look at the applicant’s financial resources and needs as well as their future needs. This could include whether they are employed, able to work, whether they have a dependent family or are a carer.

The physical and mental capacity of the applicant will be considered at along with the obligations the deceased may have had to them.

The financial resources and needs of the beneficiaries under the Will is also taken into account together with the size of the estate.

Other factors such as the applicant’s behaviour towards the deceased will also carry weight.

The court will not simply ignore the wishes of the deceased, so it is important to put together as persuasive a case as possible.

It is also essential not to miss the six-month deadline for making the claim.

If you would like to speak to our expert probate team, ring us on 0800 019 4557 or email us at info@elm-online.co.uk.